Covestro, a leading materials company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Li Auto, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. The collaboration, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to develop sustainable materials for future-oriented applications in the automotive industry.
The joint venture responds to the ongoing transformation of the automotive sector, driven by electrification, autonomous driving and the push towards a circular economy. By combining Covestro’s expertise in engineering plastics and circular solutions with Li Auto’s innovative approach to smart and electric vehicles, the partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve circularity across the automotive value chain.
Key initiatives under the MOU include establishing a “joint innovation platform” to drive the development and application of sustainable engineering plastics; integrating materials with a bio-circular content into automotive components; exploring innovative processes and business models for recycling automotive materials; and collaborating on advanced solutions for lighting, smart systems and thermal management.
The partnership has already yielded results with the development of two new materials: a light-diffusing polycarbonate for improved headlight illumination and an infrared-transparent polycarbonate that improves the durability of smart headlight components.
This collaboration between Covestro and Li Auto represents a significant step towards sustainable mobility and is in line with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the automotive industry.
Source: Covestro – Press Release
